Rotary damping mechanism with pivotal vanes

ABSTRACT

A damping mechanism that includes a housing having fluid disposed therein and an inner circumferential surface, an axle shaft that is rotatable with respect to the housing, and a first vane having a distal end and being pivotally associated with the axle shaft. When the axle shaft rotates in a first direction, the first vane pivots to a deployed position, and when the axle shaft rotates in a second direction, the first vane pivots to a stowed position. A first clearance is defined between the distal end of the first vane and the inner circumferential surface of the housing when the first vane is in the deployed position, and a second clearance is defined between the distal end of the first vane and the inner circumferential surface of the housing when the first vane is in the stowed position. The second clearance is greater than the first clearance.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No.61/598,846, filed Feb. 14, 2012, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to rotary damping mechanisms,and, more particularly, to a rotary damping mechanism with pivotalvanes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional damping mechanisms provide resistance in the openingdirection for a controlled descent of a pivoting overhead stowage binbucket when loaded with luggage. However, prior art damping mechanismsin commercial aircraft overhead stowage bins are often bulky and take upa large amount of space. Furthermore, prior art damping mechanismstypically have an angular working range that is less than 360°.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there isprovided a damping mechanism that includes a housing having a volume offluid disposed therein and an inner circumferential surface, an axleshaft that is rotatable with respect to the housing, and at least afirst vane having a distal end and being pivotally associated with theaxle shaft and positioned within the volume of fluid. When the axleshaft and first vane rotate in a first direction, the first vane pivotsto a deployed position, and when the axle shaft and first vane rotate ina second direction, the first vane pivots to a stowed position. A firstclearance is defined between the distal end of the first vane and theinner circumferential surface of the housing when the first vane is inthe deployed position, and a second clearance is defined between thedistal end of the first vane and the inner circumferential surface ofthe housing when the first vane is in the stowed position. The secondclearance is greater than the first clearance. In a preferredembodiment, the housing has an opening defined therein through which theaxle shaft extends and the axle shaft includes a hub member mountedthereon to which the first vane is pivotally mounted. Preferably, thefirst vane includes opposing concave and convex surfaces such that whenthe hub member rotates in the first direction, the concave surface ofthe first vane leads and the convex surface trails, and when the hubmember rotates in the second direction, the convex surface of the firstvane leads and the concave surface trails. In a preferred embodiment,the damping mechanism includes a second vane positioned approximately180° apart from the first vane on the hub member. Preferably, thedamping mechanism includes a flange extending radially outwardly fromthe housing. The flange includes at least one attachment opening definedtherein. Preferably, the first vane includes a stop member that preventsthe first vane from pivoting beyond the deployed position.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a damping mechanism that includes a housing, an axle shaft thatextends through an axial opening in the housing, a hub member mounted onthe axle shaft, and first and second vanes pivotally mounted to the hubmember approximately 180° apart and extending radially outwardlytherefrom. The housing defines a housing interior that includes a volumeof fluid disposed therein and includes an inner circumferential surface.The first and second vanes each include a distal end and are positionedin the housing interior and within the volume of fluid. When the axleshaft rotates in a first direction, the first and second vanes pivot toa deployed position. When the axle shaft rotates in a second direction,the first and second vanes pivot to a stowed position. The distance in aradial direction between the distal ends of the first and second vanesand the inner circumferential surface of the housing is greater when thefirst and second vanes are in the stowed position than when the firstand second vanes are in the deployed position.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a method that includes obtaining a damping mechanism thatincludes a housing that defines a housing interior that includes aninner circumferential surface and a volume of fluid disposed therein,rotating an axle shaft in a first direction such that a first vane thatis positioned within the volume of fluid and has a distal end pivots toa deployed position and a first clearance is defined between the distalend and the inner circumferential surface of the housing, rotating theaxle shaft in a second direction, such that the first vane pivots to astowed position and a second clearance is defined between the distal endand the inner circumferential surface of the housing. The secondclearance is greater than the first clearance. In a preferredembodiment, the housing is affixed to a first object and the axle shaftis affixed to a second object. The first and second objects are pivotalwith respect to one another. Preferably, the first object is stationaryand the second object pivots with respect to the first object.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an overhead stowage bin that includes an upper portion and abucket that cooperate to define a bin interior, and at least one dampingmechanism. The axle shaft of the damping mechanism is secured to one ofthe upper portion or the bucket, and the housing of the dampingmechanism is secured to the other of the upper portion or the bucket.The bucket can pivot with respect to the upper portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of rotary damping mechanism in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the rotary dampingmechanism of FIG. 1 showing the vanes mounted on a side of the hubmember and in a deployed position; and

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the rotary dampingmechanism of FIG. 1 showing the vanes mounted on a side of the hubmember and it stowed position.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional elevational view of another embodiment ofthe rotary damping mechanism of FIG. 1 showing the vanes mounted on anouter circumferential surface of the hub member and in a deployedposition;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the rotary dampingmechanism of FIG. 1 showing the vanes mounted on an outercircumferential surface of the hub member and in a stowed position;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the rotary damping mechanism ofFIG. 1 secured to a first object and a second object such that it canprovide damping of the rotation of the second object when it rotates inthe first direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not tobe construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certaininstances, well-known or conventional details are not described in orderto avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodimentin the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references tothe same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of theembodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the-disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirementsfor some embodiments but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in thespecific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used todescribe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in thespecification, to provide additional guidance to the practitionerregarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certainterms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotationmarks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaningof a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the samecontext, whether or not it is highlighted.

It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than oneway. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for anyone or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is tobe placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein.Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or moresynonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examplesanywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussedherein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit thescope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term.Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given inthis specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples ofinstruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according tothe embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note thattitles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of areader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unlessotherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, thepresent document, including definitions, will control.

It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,”“bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” “aft,” “forward,”“inboard,” “outboard” and “below” used herein are merely for ease ofdescription and refer to the orientation of the components as shown inthe figures. It should be understood that any orientation of thecomponents described herein is within the scope of the presentinvention.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes ofillustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting thesame, FIGS. 1-6 show embodiments of a rotary damping mechanism 10. Inparticular, the invention can be used on commercial passenger aircraftas a part of an overhead stowage bin. However, this is not a limitationon the present invention and the rotary damping mechanism 10 can be usedelsewhere.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotary damping mechanism 10 providesdamping in one rotational direction (the first direction) (see FIG. 2),while providing little to no damping in the other rotational direction(the second direction)(see FIG. 3). As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the rotarydamping mechanism 10 includes a housing 12, an axle shaft 14, and atleast one pivotal vane 16 that is mounted on a hub member 18 that ismounted on axle shaft 14. In a preferred embodiment, the rotary dampingmechanism includes a pair of pivotal vanes 16. However, more pivotalvanes 16 can be includes as desired. In another embodiment, the vanes 16can be pivotally mounted directly on the axle shaft 14 and the hubmember can be omitted. Housing 12 includes a first portion 20 and asecond portion 22 that cooperate to define a housing interior 24 thathouses the hub member 18, pivotal vanes 16 and a volume of damping fluid26. The first portion 20 and second portion 22 can be unitary or beseparate pieces. In a preferred embodiment, the second portion 22 of thehousing 12 includes a flange 22 a with openings therein for connectingthe housing 12 to an object. However, this is not a limitation on thepresent invention and the housing 12 can be connected to an object inother ways. For example, the housing 12 can be glued within an opening.

In use, axle shaft 14 and hub member 18 are rotatable within housinginterior 24, which causes the pivotal vanes 16 to rotate within fluid 26because the vanes 16 are operationally coupled to the axle shaft 14 viathe hub member 18. The hub member 18 can include a ring 18 a and pivotpins 28, posts or the like on which the vanes 16 are mounted. FIGS. 2-3show the vanes 16 (and associated pivot pins 28) mounted on a side ofthe hub member and FIGS. 4-5 show the vanes 16 (and associated pivotpins 28) mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the hub member.

As a result of the friction placed on the vanes 16 by the fluid 26, whenthe axle shaft 14 rotates in the first direction D1, the vanes 16 pivotto the in the deployed position (see FIG. 2), such that they extendradially outwardly, thereby providing a first level of resistance. Thedistal ends of the vanes 16 define a restriction space or firstclearance C1 in a radial direction between the distal end of the vane 16and the inside surface of the housing 12. The first clearance C1 allowsfluid 26 to pass therethrough, but, due to the small clearance providesdamping. Damping can also be controlled by making the vanes 16 thickeror thinner in a direction parallel to the axis of axle shaft 14.

When the axle shaft 14 rotates in the second direction D2, the vanes 16pivot to the stowed position (see FIG. 3) thereby providing a secondlevel of resistance that is less than the first level of resistance. Inthe stowed position, the distance between the distal ends of the vanes16 and the inner circumferential surface 12 a of the housing 12 isgreater than in the deployed position, thereby providing a secondclearance C2. In the stowed position, when the vanes 16 rotate withfluid 26, fluid is not as restricted from passing through the secondclearance C2, this provides less damping than when the vanes 16 are inthe deployed position. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, in a preferred embodiment,the vanes 16 include a stopper 16 c thereon for positioning the vanes 16in the deployed position and preventing the vanes 16 from rotatingpassed the deployed position. A stopper for preventing rotation passedthe stowed position can also be included (see the embodiment describedbelow).

In a preferred embodiment, the vanes 16 include a curved shape with aconcave surface 16 a and a convex surface 16 b. In another embodiment,surface 16 b can be flat and surface 16 a can be concave. As shown inFIGS. 2-3, when the axle shaft 14 rotates clockwise (first directionD1), the force of the fluid 26 against the concave surface 16 a causesthe vanes 16 to “flap open” to the deployed position, thereby providingdamping. When the axle shaft rotates counter-clockwise (second directionD2), the force of the fluid 26 against the convex surface 16 b pushesthe vanes 16 to the stowed position, thereby reducing damping. It willbe understood that the vanes 16 can be reversed so that the greaterdamping is provided in the counter-clockwise direction. In use in acommercial aircraft, the first direction D1 would likely be the openingof the overhead stowage bin 104 and the second direction D2 would likelybe the closing of the overhead stowage bin 104. Therefore, when the bininterior 106 is full of luggage and it is opened, the damping provides acontrolled descent. For example, the housing 12 can be affixed to thestationary upper portion 100 of the overhead stowage bin 104 (the firstobject) and the axle shaft 14 (that extends through an opening 30 in thehousing 12) can be affixed to the lower, pivoting portion of theoverhead stowage bin 104 (the bucket 102 or second object). Therefore,when the bucket pivots downwardly (is opened), the axle shaft 14rotates, the vanes 16 flap to the deployed position and the descent ofthe bucket is damped. When the bucket 102 pivots upwardly (is closed),the vanes 16 flap to the stowed position. In another embodiment, thehousing 12 can be affixed to the bucket, and the axle shaft 14 can beaffixed to the stationary upper portion 100 of the pivot bin. FIG. 3shows the rotary damping mechanism 10 attached via threaded fasteners32. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. The axleshaft 14 can extend through one or both of the first portion 20 or thesecond portion 22 of the housing 12. As will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art, the axle shaft 14 can include a flat surface,key or the like or can be polygonal such that rotation can betransferred from the pivoting object to the axle shaft.

In a preferred embodiment, the rotary damping mechanism 10 operatesthrough a full 360° of rotation. In another embodiment, the movement ofthe vanes 16 can be actuated electronically or mechanically, such as bysplines, teeth, indentation, etc. For example, in an embodiment, gearingcan be provided to speed up rotation of the vanes 16 within the fluid26, thereby providing extra damping. In another embodiment, the axleshaft 14 (and hub member 18 and vanes 16) can be stationary and thehousing 12 can rotate. In another embodiment, the axle shaft can be aseparate component that is inserted into an axially aligned opening inthe housing and the hub.

The rotary damping mechanism 10 can be applied to any axis that requiresdifferent damping rates in either direction (lavatory doors, overheadstowage bin doors/buckets for example). It will be appreciated by thoseof ordinary skill in the art that varying the fluid viscosity canprovide greater or lesser damping. Varying the vane length and/or thegap between the distal free end of the vane and the innercircumferential surface of the housing can also provide greater orlesser damping. Varying the number of vanes can also affect the damping.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling ofconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall referto this application as a whole and not to any particular portions ofthis application. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or pluralnumber may also include the plural or singular number respectively. Theword “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of thefollowing interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, allof the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for thedisclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of thedisclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples;alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements orranges.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments. Any measurements described or used hereinare merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present invention.Other measurements can be used.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can bemodified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and conceptsof the various references described above to provide yet furtherembodiments of the disclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of theabove Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the abovedescription describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, anddescribes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the aboveappears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details ofthe system may vary considerably in its implementation details, whilestill being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As notedabove, particular terminology used when describing certain features oraspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that theterminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specificcharacteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which thatterminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the followingclaims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above DetailedDescription of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines suchterms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses notonly the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways ofpracticing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of thedisclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only oneaspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as ameans-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied ina computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35U.S.C. §112, ¶6 will include the words “means for”). Accordingly, theapplicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing theapplication to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects ofthe disclosure.

Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have beenshown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms usedherein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes,modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A damping mechanism comprising: a housing thatdefines a housing interior that includes a volume of fluid disposedtherein, wherein the housing includes an inner circumferential surface,an axle shaft that is rotatable with respect to the housing, and atleast a first vane having a distal end and being pivotally associatedwith the axle shaft and positioned in the housing interior and withinthe volume of fluid, wherein when the axle shaft and first vane rotatein a first direction, the first vane pivots to a deployed position, andwherein when the axle shaft and first vane rotate in a second direction,the first vane pivots to a stowed position, wherein a first clearance isdefined between the distal end of the first vane and the innercircumferential surface of the housing when the first vane is in thedeployed position, wherein a second clearance is defined between thedistal end of the first vane and the inner circumferential surface ofthe housing when the first vane is in the stowed position, and whereinthe second clearance is greater than the first clearance.
 2. The dampingmechanism of claim 1 wherein the housing has an opening defined thereinthrough which the axle shaft extends.
 3. The damping mechanism of claim2 wherein the axle shaft includes a hub member mounted thereon, andwherein the first vane is pivotally mounted to the hub member.
 4. Thedamping mechanism of claim 3 wherein the first vane includes opposingconcave and convex surfaces.
 5. The damping mechanism of claim 4 whereinwhen the hub member rotates in the first direction, the concave surfaceof the first vane leads and the convex surface trails, and wherein whenthe hub member rotates in the second direction, the convex surface ofthe first vane leads and the concave surface trails.
 6. The dampingmechanism of claim 5 further comprising at least a second vane having adistal end, wherein the second vane is pivotally mounted to the hubmember and is positioned in the housing interior and within the volumeof fluid, wherein when the axle shaft and second vane rotate in a firstdirection, the second vane pivots to a deployed position, and whereinwhen the axle shaft and second vane rotate in a second direction, thesecond vane pivots to a stowed position, wherein a first clearance isdefined between the distal end of the second vane and the innercircumferential surface of the housing when the second vane is in thedeployed position, wherein a second clearance is defined between thedistal end of the second vane and the inner circumferential surface ofthe housing when the second vane is in the stowed position, and whereinthe second clearance is greater than the first clearance.
 7. The dampingmechanism of claim 6 wherein the first and second vanes are positionedapproximately 180° apart on the hub member.
 8. The damping mechanism ofclaim 7 further comprising a flange extending radially outwardly fromthe housing, wherein the flange includes at least one attachment openingdefined therein.
 9. The damping mechanism of claim 3 wherein the firstvane is pivotally mounted to the hub member by a pivot pin.
 10. Thedamping mechanism of claim 1 wherein the first vane includes a stopmember that prevents the first vane from pivoting beyond the deployedposition.
 11. A damping mechanism comprising: a housing that defines ahousing interior that includes a volume of fluid disposed therein,wherein the housing includes an inner circumferential surface, an axleshaft that extends through an axial opening in the housing, a hub membermounted on the axle shaft, and first and second vanes pivotally mountedto the hub member approximately 180° apart and extending radiallyoutwardly therefrom, wherein the first and second vanes each include adistal end and are positioned in the housing interior and within thevolume of fluid, wherein when the axle shaft rotates in a firstdirection, the first and second vanes pivot to a deployed position, andwherein when the axle shaft rotates in a second direction, the first andsecond vanes pivot to a stowed position, wherein the distance in aradial direction between the distal ends of the first and second vanesand the inner circumferential surface of the housing is greater when thefirst and second vanes are in the stowed position than when the firstand second vanes are in the deployed position.
 12. The damping mechanismof claim 11 wherein the first and second vanes each include opposingconcave and convex surfaces.
 13. The damping mechanism of claim 12wherein when the axle shaft rotates in the first direction, the concavesurfaces of the first and second vanes lead and the convex surfacestrail, and wherein when the hub member rotates in the second direction,the convex surfaces of the first and second vanes lead and the concavesurfaces trail.
 14. A method comprising the steps of: obtaining adamping mechanism that includes a housing that defines a housinginterior that includes an inner circumferential surface and a volume offluid disposed therein, rotating an axle shaft in a first direction,wherein a first vane that is positioned within the volume of fluid andhas a distal end pivots to a deployed position and a first clearance isdefined between the distal end and the inner circumferential surface ofthe housing, and rotating the axle shaft in a second direction, whereinthe first vane pivots to a stowed position and a second clearance isdefined between the distal end and the inner circumferential surface ofthe housing, wherein the second clearance is greater than the firstclearance.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the housing is affixed toa first object and the axle shaft is affixed to a second object, andwherein the first and second objects are pivotal with respect to oneanother.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the first object isstationary and the second object pivots with respect to the firstobject.
 17. The method of claim 14 wherein the first vane includesopposing concave and convex surfaces, wherein when the axle shaftrotates in the first direction, the concave surface of the first vaneleads and the convex surface trails, and wherein when the axle shaftrotates in the second direction, the convex surface of the first vaneleads and the concave surface trails.
 18. An overhead stowage bincomprising: an upper portion, a bucket, wherein the bucket and the upperportion combine to define a bin interior, and at least one dampingmechanism that includes a housing that defines a housing interior thatincludes a volume of fluid disposed therein, wherein the housingincludes an inner circumferential surface, an axle shaft that isrotatable with respect to the housing, and at least a first vane havinga distal end and being pivotally associated with the axle shaft andpositioned in the housing interior and within the volume of fluid,wherein when the axle shaft and first vane rotate in a first direction,the first vane pivots to a deployed position, and wherein when the axleshaft and first vane rotate in a second direction, the first vane pivotsto a stowed position, wherein a first clearance is defined between thedistal end of the first vane and the inner circumferential surface ofthe housing when the first vane is in the deployed position, wherein asecond clearance is defined between the distal end of the first vane andthe inner circumferential surface of the housing when the first vane isin the stowed position, and wherein the second clearance is greater thanthe first clearance, wherein the axle shaft is secured to one of theupper portion or the bucket, and wherein the housing is secure to theother of the upper portion or the bucket, whereby the bucket can pivotwith respect to the upper portion.